A crucial wave buoy operated by the South Australian Bureau of Meteorology off Kangaroo Island has malfunctioned, raising concerns for the safety of divers and fishers. This buoy is the sole instrument of its kind maintained by the Bureau in the state, providing vital data for maritime activities. Its failure leaves a gap in real-time wave height and sea condition information, potentially endangering those reliant on accurate forecasts. Professional divers and the fishing industry depend on the buoy’s data for operational planning and hazard avoidance. The Bureau has not yet provided a timeline for repairs or a solution to the ongoing reliability issues with the buoy. This is not the first time the buoy has failed, prompting questions about the long-term viability of the system. The lack of data impacts decision-making and increases risk for those working at sea.